Until the offseason really kicks into gear, why don’t we take a look at West Virginia’s schedule and make some (maybe way too early) predictions for the Mountaineers’ 2015 season, game-by-game.
It should be another interesting season for Dana Holgorsen and company. The offense will have question marks while the defense will boast a lot of talent and experience. Can the defense save the offense or will all the units be able to gel by the time the season begins?
Game One: vs. Georgia Southern at Mountaineer Field
Like most opening games, this should be a cake walk for West Virginia. The Mountaineers will have plenty opportunities to score points while the defense will make life immensely tough on the Eagles. Expect a good ole’ fashion beat down and a happy first-game-of-the-year for West Virginia fans.
Game Two: vs. Liberty at Mountaineer Field
This game won’t be too much of a task for West Virginia, either. Coming off a big-time win against Georgia Souther, the Mountaineers will continue to roll. A close game heading into the half, but Holgorsen’s crew takes control in the second half.
Game Three: vs. Maryland at Mountaineer Field
Last season this game came down to the wire in Baltimore. West Virginia was able to squeak out a win after Josh Lambert made a 47-yard field goal. The Mountaineers jumped out to a 28-6 lead in the second quarter of that game, only to blow the lead and have the game tied up after a 69-yard punt return from Maryland’s Brad Caddock.
West Virginia was lucky to escape that game, and will be lucky to escape this game. The slight advantage of playing in Morgantown will give West Virginia the edge. Expect another nail biting finish, but the Mountaineers get the job done in overtime.
A big game from the running backs help down the stretch and it’s Rushel Shell who puts it in the end zone during overtime.
Game Four: vs. Oklahoma at Gaylord Family Memorial Stadium
The Big 12 is no easy conference and the Mountaineers have the unfortunate pleasure of facing the Sooners in their Big 12 opener.
Last year West Virginia made it interesting up until halftime, but all momentum was sucked dry after Oklahoma’s Alex Ross took a kick return 100-yards for a touchdown right before the end of the second quarter.
There’s no reason to believe Oklahoma won’t be a force to be had within the Big 12. The always-talented Sooners bring back Trevor Knight at quarterback and running back Samaje Perine — who absolutely dominated West Virginia last season.
Perine rushed for 242-yards and four touchdowns in last year’s contest.
The Mountaineers will hold their own for awhile, but the Sooners will out-do West Virginia.
Through four games, I have West Virginia going 3-1. The first two games will be a breeze, the game versus Maryland will be a dog-fight and could result in the opposite of what I predicted, and in game four, the Sooners best the Mountaineers behind a stud running back.
What say you, Mountaineer fans? What are your predictions for the first four games of the season?